Coach Emilio Saavedra is one of the most accomplished wrestlers and respected young coaches to come out of California's Central Valley. A Modesto native, Emilio's wrestling journey began in the Central Catholic youth wrestling program before he went on to star at Modesto High School, where he compiled an outstanding 115-6 career record and captured the 2014 California State Championship. Throughout his high school career, he established himself as one of the nation's elite wrestlers, earning multiple state medals and national honors, including a FloNationals Championship and numerous national rankings.

His success continued at the collegiate level, where he was recruited to NCAA Division I Old Dominion University. While competing for the Monarchs, Saavedra won the prestigious Midlands Championship as a redshirt freshman, defeating multiple nationally ranked opponents and earning conference recognition for one of the most impressive tournament performances in the country that season. He later transferred to California State University, Fresno, where he continued his collegiate wrestling career and helped launch the return of Fresno State Wrestling.

Today, Coach Saavedra is passionate about giving back to the same wrestling community that helped shape him. As an educator and middle school teacher, he brings the same commitment to developing young people in the classroom that he brings to the wrestling room. His ability to connect with student-athletes, build confidence, and teach accountability has made him a trusted mentor for countless young wrestlers throughout the region.

As the leader of the Central Catholic wrestling program, Coach Saavedra has helped restore the tradition and competitiveness of Raider Wrestling while building a culture centered on discipline, hard work, and personal growth. His unique perspective as a former Central Catholic youth wrestler, California State Champion, NCAA Division I athlete, educator, and mentor allows him to serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, student-athletes are challenged not only to become better wrestlers, but also better students, teammates, and future leaders in their communities.

Jonathan Blackwell, known to friends and family as “Coach Jonno,” joined the Central Catholic High School wrestling staff as an assistant coach during the 2022–2023 season. Before arriving at Central Catholic, he spent a decade as the head wrestling coach at Tracy High School, following earlier roles as a JV head coach and club coach where he helped develop athletes at every level of the sport.

In addition to wrestling, Coach Blackwell has more than 30 years of coaching experience in football at both the youth and high school levels, reflecting a lifelong commitment to mentoring young athletes and building strong team cultures. Wrestling has also been a central part of his family life, with five sons and five nephews competing in the sport at the high school level, several of whom continued on to collegiate competition.

Outside of athletics, Jonathan is an entrepreneur, technologist, and software product visionary specializing in mobile applications, directory services, cybersecurity, identity management, data governance, and unified communications. His leadership, passion for mentorship, and dedication to student-athlete development continue to make a lasting impact both on and off the mat.

Coach Abel Colunga brings nearly 25 years of wrestling coaching experience and a lifelong passion for developing young athletes both on and off the mat. A retired law enforcement professional, Coach Colunga has dedicated his post-career years to mentoring wrestlers of all ages and skill levels, with a strong emphasis on character development, discipline, and personal growth.

Throughout his coaching career, Coach Colunga has helped guide multiple athletes to state medal finishes and has earned a reputation for excellence in athlete development and mentorship. Wrestling has also been a central part of his family life, as he coached his own sons through their wrestling journeys, including one who went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level for North Dakota State University (NDSU).

Married for more than 30 years, Coach Colunga is also a proud father of four and grandfather of two grandsons. His passion for teaching, combined with his ability to connect with athletes and help them reach their potential, continues to make a lasting impact within the wrestling community.

Coach Shauna Rodgers has been a dedicated member of the Central Catholic High School wrestling staff since 2019 and brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to the development of young people through her roles as a coach, educator, and parent. With more than 31 years of experience in education, she currently serves as the English Department Chair at Merrill F. West High School, where she is widely respected for her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student achievement and personal growth.

Coach Rodgers’ “triple-focus” approach — as a coach, parent, and teacher — allows her to connect with student-athletes on multiple levels and serve as a trusted mentor both on and off the mat. Her ability to guide young people through the academic, athletic, and personal challenges of adolescence makes her an invaluable resource in helping students grow into confident, responsible, and successful adults.

As the proud parent of a Central Catholic wrestling alumnus, Coach Rodgers also brings a deep personal connection to the program and understands firsthand the impact that athletics, mentorship, and community can have on shaping a young person’s future.